Gaining a competitive electrical apprenticeship will provide you with amazing opportunities as one of the most in-demand trades at the moment. Being an electrician is a fulfilling and rewarding career for the right people, but if it’s still early days, how do you know if you have the traits to be successful?
There are a few electrician traits that make you more suited to a career in the electrical industry. As an electrical apprentice, you will acquire a lot of technical knowledge and new skills and continue building on them throughout your career. So although there are a few attributes that generally indicate you have the personality traits of an electrician, there’s no need to worry if you don’t possess them all.
If you’re considering taking the first step towards a career in the electrical field, read on to learn about the 5 common traits of successful electrical apprentices.
Still in school? Here are some signs you are perfectly suited for an electrical pre-apprenticeship.
What are the essential qualities an electrician apprentice should have?
As an electrical apprentice, there are both technical and soft skills that you will need to acquire to become a successful electrician. Career options in the electrical industry are very diverse, and you will have the opportunity to work in numerous environments. While you don’t need to have all the personality traits of an electrician, showing that you have a number of these attributes, or the ability to develop them, will greatly help you succeed.
1. Physically fit with fine motor skills
Electricians spend a lot of time on their feet doing hands-on work while doing manual work with heavy objects. There is, therefore, a need to have physical abilities such as stamina, hand-eye coordination and good balance to perform your day-to-day activities. Electrical apprentices should be energetic and able to work independently on these physical tasks to develop the skills necessary for their careers.
2. Analytical problem solver
A mechanical aptitude and basic mathematical skills are essential prerequisites to an electrical career. An interest in STEM subjects such as math, science and physics indicate that you likely possess electrician personality traits. The primary responsibility of an electrician is to diagnose and solve problems. Therefore, you will need the ability to assess different situations and use your technical knowledge and critical thinking to identify the right solutions.
3. Curious, intelligent and ambitious
As an electrician, there is a vast amount of knowledge you need to be familiar with. The ability and motivation to seek out, learn and retain that information are crucial to your career success. If traditional education isn’t for you, don’t stress. Everyone learns in different ways. If the thought of listening to lectures in a classroom all day doesn’t appeal to you, it could mean that you are simply more suited to a less academic setting. An electrical apprenticeship provides the unique opportunity to combine formal study with paid training, allowing you to gain an education while working simultaneously.
4. Safety-first mindset
It’s no secret that the physical forces electricians work with each day are very powerful and have dangerous potential if not handled correctly. Safety is paramount for electrical engineers, and you must be able to work reliably around hazards. During your apprenticeship, you will learn how to adhere to industry regulations correctly, but displaying the ability to work methodically and carefully is a good indicator of a safety-first mindset.
5. Communication and teamwork
As an electrician, you will be working with a wide variety of other job titles and personalities, so communication skills are paramount. The ability to share your ideas and solutions effectively will take you far in your career and set you apart during your apprenticeship. You will also need to create a positive experience for your customers and team members.
Kick start your electrical career at CET
Think you’ve got the personality traits of an electrician? Get started on your journey to an exciting career path with an electrical apprenticeship with us today.
You can learn more about the steps involved in becoming an electrical apprentice or enquire now about electrical apprenticeship opportunities at CET.